As Hebrew College's first Alumni Relations Coordinator, Sharlene Kamens Finkel spends a lot of time on the phone. Whether catching up with former classmates or reaching out to more recent graduates, planning alumni events or offering condolences to a bereaved family, she is the prime mover behind the growing alumni network.
"I can talk to someone I've never met and, even if they're reticent at first, after a half hour, we feel we've known each other for ages," says Finkel. "Even though we went to Hebrew College at different times, we have a common language and a special connection," she says. "Our love of the Jewish people, appreciation of our wonderful heritage, history and language are a shared treasure."
A 1960 Prozdor graduate and 1964 BJEd recipient, Finkel grew up in Chelsea, Mass., and attended
the Chelsea Hebrew School. Every Sunday through Thursday, she made the hourlong trip each way from Chelsea to Brookline—changing buses three times.
Born to Dr. Israel M. Kamens
z'l, and Nettie Kamens, who named a classroom at the new campus, Finkel isn't the only family member in the Hebrew College community. Sisters Carolann Wiznia (
P'66, BJEd'70), and Toby Rodman (
P'69, BJEd'74), are also Prozdor and College alumni; brother Michael attended Prozdor.
After graduating Boston University Law School in 1967, Finkel worked in the legal field, most recently as a health care attorney, before taking on her current responsibilities about two years ago. "Now that we're at the new campus, the College is bubbling over with excitement and vitality," says Finkel, who has served as a Trustee, Board Vice Chair and chaired the College's trustee nominating committee.
"I would like all alums to feel that Hebrew College is there for them after graduation, to be a part of their lives."
In addition to keeping up with alums over the phone, Finkel works with the Development Department, and with Alumni Association co-chairs Mildred Levitt and Dr. Ruth Smith, planning numerous functions, including an annual alumni event, graduation reunions and a new innovation: alumni-only courses taught both in English and Hebrew, which are growing in popularity.
Activities abound not just in Boston, but in the New York and Washington, D.C., areas as well. The New York branch, chaired by Finkel's classmate, Susan Fish, has started a
Chug Ivri and recently hosted
an evening with Dr. Arnold Band, which drew an enthusiastic crowd.
Finkel, who is a member of the Boston
Chug Ivri, is always thinking creatively about future alumni events. "We are blessed with dedicated, accomplished alumni. My dream is to have a day of learning, where alums in chosen fields present seminars and workshops. In one room, a speaker would talk about Jewish music. In other rooms, science, politics and so on," she says.
Beyond her Hebrew College family, Finkel, who lives in Newton with her husband, Richard, a retired physician, enjoys visiting with her grown children—all Prozdor alums—and grandchildren. Son Robert (
P'86), a Newton attorney, and his wife, Sherene, are the parents of Joshua, 2H, and Leora, 4 months. Steven (
P'88), married to Nicole, is an anesthesiology resident in New York City—they are expecting a baby in February. Daughter Deborah (
P'91), is now enrolled at MIT's Sloan School of Management.
"I would like all alums to feel that Hebrew College is there for them after graduation," says Finkel, "to be a part of their lives, to offer wonderful courses and events, to continue the connection for many years to come."
For complete information about all alumni events, call Ariela Lipton at 617-559-8724 or email alipton@hebrewcollege.edu.
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